Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle in Alaska is a way of life. But when a careless driver causes an accident, the results can be devastating. Motorcyclists have no seatbelt, no airbag, and no protective frame around them. When something goes wrong, riders take the full impact.
Our office has been fighting for injured motorcycle riders in Alaska for over 35 years. We have collected over 100 million dollars for injured Alaskans — including millions of dollars for motorcycle accident victims.
Frank J. Schlehofer is a licensed motorcycle driver. He understands the road — and he knows exactly how to fight back when the insurance company tries to blame you.
We Got Chris Over Half a Million Dollar Settlement
Chris was riding his motorcycle down De Armoun Road when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction turned left directly in front of him. Our office fought for Chris and got him a settlement check for over half a million dollars.
We Got David Half a Million Dollar Settlement
David was riding his motorcycle on Muldoon Road on a sunny day when a car pulled out right in front of him. He flew 30 feet and was hurt bad. Our office fought for David and got him a settlement check for half a million dollars.
Listen to David’s story when he flew 30 feet after getting hit on Muldoon Road:
David’s Story-In 30 Seconds:
“I was riding my motorcycle down Muldoon on a sunny day when a car pulled out right in front of me .... I flew 30 feet. I was hurt bad... Frank took great care of me..."
35 Years of Experience Fighting for Injured Alaskans — Over $100 Million Collected
Our office has been fighting for injured Alaskans for over 35 years. We have collected over 100 million dollars for thousands of Alaskans who were hurt, disabled, or lost loved ones. We know how insurance companies work. We know how to fight them. And we know how to win. See Case Results and Testimonials.
An In-House Physician and Attorney—A Powerful Advantage for Our Clients
When difficult medical questions arise in your case, most law firms have to hire outside medical consultants and wait for their opinion. At Schlehofer Law Offices, we have that medical knowledge in-house. Frank Michael Schlehofer is both an attorney and a licensed physician. When you are hurt, the insurance company has doctors and lawyers working to reduce what they pay you. Now you have both on your side. In serious and complex cases, insurance companies hire their own medical experts to fight your claim. Frank Michael can read your medical records the way a doctor does, speak the same language as their experts, and challenge their opinions — because he is a licensed physician himself.
The Insurance Company Will Try to Blame You
After a motorcycle accident, the insurance company will look for every reason to pay you less — or nothing at all. They may say:
- You were speeding
- You should not have laid down your motorcycle
- You were weaving in and out of traffic
- You were not wearing a helmet or protective gear
Do not let them get away with it. We know their arguments inside and out. For over 35 years we have taken them head on.
What You May Be Owed
If someone else caused your accident, you may have a right to compensation for:
- Medical bills — past and future
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Motorcycle damage and replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, and how the accident has affected your life. Call us. There is no charge to talk to us, and we will discuss the details of your case. See Case Results and Testimonials.
Is there a charge to talk to you, and how does your attorney fee work?
There is no charge to talk to us. We do not charge by the hour. We only get paid if you get paid. Our attorney fee is a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the total amount we recover for you, plus reimbursement of our out-of-pocket costs, such as the cost of ordering your medical records. Usually, our attorney fee is 1/3 of the total recovery. Since our fee is a percentage of what we get for you, we are both on the same team trying to get as much as we reasonably can. If we do not get anything for you, then our attorney fee is zero.
Do I have to go to court?
Most cases settle before trial. When the insurance company knows you hired an experienced attorney, they are more likely to settle because it will cost them money to go to court. The decision to settle or go to trial is yours. We are always prepared to go to trial to get you the money you deserve.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident?
Get to safety and call 911 right away.Take photos of the scene, your bike, and your injuries. Get the names and insurance information of all drivers, and the names of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Do not assume you are fine just because you felt okay at the scene. If you are not feeling well or have any concerns about your health, you may wish to seek medical attention. Call us before you sign anything.
Does Alaska require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet?
In Alaska, riders 18 and older are not required by law to wear a helmet. However, if you were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may try to use that against you to reduce your compensation. Do not assume you have no case. Alaska’s pure comparative negligence law means you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet. Call us and we can discuss the details of your case.
What should I do if the insurance company calls me?
Do not give them a recorded statement. Do not agree to anything. Do not sign anything. Insurance adjusters are trained to get information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Be polite, get their name and contact information, and then call us right away. One exception — if the insurance company is calling only about your property damage and motorcycle repairs, it is generally okay to speak with them. Delaying those conversations can cause your motorcycle to sit in storage longer, resulting in unnecessary storage fees that the insurance company may not pay because you did not contact them earlier.
Can I still make a claim if I was not wearing a helmet?
Yes. Alaska does not require riders over 18 to wear a helmet. Not wearing a helmet does not automatically eliminate your right to compensation. The insurance company may argue it affected your injuries, but under Alaska’s comparative negligence law you may still recover. Call us and we will evaluate your case.
What if the insurance company says the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be able to recover compensation. Alaska follows pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partly at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — not eliminated. Do not assume you have no case because the insurance company is pointing fingers at you.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Alaska, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court against the responsible parties. Do not wait. Evidence disappears and memories fade. Call us right away.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. As a former licensed insurance agent, Frank J. Schlehofer is uniquely qualified to review your insurance policy and explain all of your options.
DISCLAIMER: Material in this website is only intended for people living in Alaska and is general information only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be, since each case is unique. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual circumstances. Since each case is unique, individual results will vary. Prior case results are no guarantee of future performance. Information sent to or from this site is not meant to create an attorney-client relationship with you. Only after a written fee agreement is signed by both our law office and you, are you our client. Prior to a fee agreement being signed, our law office, its employees, and its attorneys cannot take any actions on your behalf.
Please Note: Frank Michael Schlehofer is an attorney at this firm. He is also a licensed physician in Michigan, not Alaska. His medical training is part of the firm’s general background and experience. He is not your doctor and cannot give you medical advice. No one at this firm is giving you medical advice or medical care. If you have questions about your health, please talk to a qualified health care provider of your choice.